#depression #depressionsupport #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #depressionsymptoms #familycaregivers #mentalhealthstigma
The stigma attached to mental illness and psychiatric treatment is even more powerful among older people. This stigma can keep older people from admitting that they are depressed, even to themselves.
Even for the physician, the appearance of depression in older persons can be confusing and convoluted since it can overlap with so many other age related concerns.
How can you tell if you, your loved one or your patient are struggling with depression?
Is there ANY thing at all that can be done?
What are some features that differentiate the signs of depression in older persons? (generally defined as a prolonged sad mood between 6 weeks to 6 months)
😠😢😡😂😀Mood swings, but primarily sadness
🛏️💤😵💫Sleep disturbance - more often insomnia
🤐😤🤐Withdrawal and disinterest
😖Loss of appetite
⚰️Feeling as if life is ending
😕Feeling confused
⚰️Wanting to die
😨Afraid to die - afraid of getting older and dying
What can place a person at risk for depression?
1/GRIEF and LOSS - as they see or hear of close friends , relatives and workmates die, there is an (understandable) sense of not only isolation, but fear of "will I be next"?
2/Sudden onset of CHRONIC ILLNESS - (hypertension, heart disease, hospitalisation and the like, especially if one was in good health before
3/RETIREMENT- the gateway to "freedom"? Or an open door into a scary unknown of a loss of identity
Especially if there is a rotating family unit, ensure that you have a system of handover to inform for signs to monitor any changes .
Being mindful of the subtle signs can lead to early intervention and management , so remember to:
1/ Ask them if they feel unwell (most questions will be met with denial), so be inventive- call the Family Physician who may be able to better persuade for lab tests that may indicate a treatable cause (such as B12 deficiency or Thyroid disease)
2/Arrange a routine - having a definite idea of daily plans makes life seem less mundane and more worthwhile
3/ Encourage exercise (safely) , of all kinds, 🚴🏽🚲🏊🏽🧘🏽🧑🏽🌾🏡; memory games...
We ALL need and deserve to feel valid.💖
Let us bring compassion, empathy and understanding to the table.
You Got This!!!💘🎯We Got This!🎯💘🫱🏽🫲🏾!
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana..........................................................
Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as physicians on my website:
lanaslittlethings.com
If you're a Family Caregiver at your wit's end, needing a different perspective, set up your free 15-minute coaching call-also by email -lana@lanaannemd.com - or on lanaslittlethings.com.
I always look forward to meeting Fellow Family Caregivers- we gotta stick together!💯
